Food allergies and dining plan

[RxforDisney]

We haven't used the dining plan since 2006, and my milk, egg, and peanut allergic DS was under 3 at that time, so wasn't on the dining plan. We are going back in october of this year. I am interested in hearing any recent reports on food allergy substitutions and the dining plan.

Since dessert is included in the dining plan (and I know my DH will want dessert), has anyone had an experience where they did not have an allergen free dessert available?

What other experiences have you had?

 

[Selket]

I'm also interested in knowing this too - I am considering the DDP for our upcoming March trip and my younger DS has dietary restrictions/considerations.

 

[KadysMom]

We went to the world for a surprise birthday for my DD who was turning 6. She was recently diagnosed with a Dairy and egg allergy. She has not been able to eat her favorite foods since. We asked for dairy and egg free pancakes one morning at the Hotel and THEY MADE THEM FOR HER!! The chef said no problem, just give us 10 minutes. Every morning she had some great food she could eat. You can email renda.bennett@disney.com She is the special diet coordinator and can help you without a problem.

 

[Selket]

Since dessert is included in the dining plan (and I know my DH will want dessert), has anyone had an experience where they did not have an allergen free dessert available?

I just wanted to mention that I plan to call the TS restaurants and arrange for a dessert for my DS that I know he'll like. Sometimes he has been offered just one thing (tofutti - though he doesn't have a dairy allergy) - and he doesn't like tofutti. It then becomes extremely difficult for the rest of us to justify eating dessert while he sits and looks at us with a sad face until we can get him something he likes. I have found that by calling I can arrange something that they may not normally carry for dessert (like an Itskadoozie popsicle) - something he likes and enjoys.

Dessert has generally been the most difficult part of the meal to get right (sometimes too because he was so young - sometimes hard to guess what he will want in advance).

 

[DVCDawn]

My DD8 is allergic to peanuts and nuts and this April we will be using DDP for the first time. To be honest, we haven't used it on previous trips BECAUSE of the allergy. I was afraid that they would be less willing to make substitutions and I'd have an unhappy child at the end of every TS meal -- as Carol G. said, dessert is always the hardest. This trip however, we are traveling with a much bigger family group and will be using the TS meals as a way to touch base with everyone each day. I'll be sure to post here after my trip to let you all know how it goes. I think Carol G. has the best idea, call ahead to arrange for a safe dessert to be available. I heard a rumor that the Mickey bars are peanut and nut-free now...my DD will be over the moon if it's true!

DVCDawn

 

[Selket]

I posted the ? about snacks and desserts for those with allergies over on the DDP board. No replies yet!

The Mickey ice cream bars were safe the last time we were there (October 2007) and we had them on the Disney cruise in Oct. and that was fine. I haven't gotten the latest info from Brenda since we're going in March. I'm guessing they are still safe though and will be this Spring but I"ll find out for sure before we head off.

If I cannot get good answers about safe snacks and CS desserts I will call Brenda and talk to her about it. I would really like for the Divvies (at least the 2 pack of cookies) to be a snack on the plan. We never normally get dessert at the CS places so I have no idea what the desserts usually are. I'm guessing cookies and the like - which are not safe for his peanut allergy.

He is also a type 1 diabetic. I generally don't bring that up as he can eat desserts in moderation (does not have to be sugar-free) but there are some things that are better than others for him (especially something where we know the carb count). I guess the bottom line is that I'll just buy OOP for him whatever I need to but I'd prefer to get what we paid for.

It would be nice if there was a spot in each park where they had some items for those with different allergies, etc to use as substitutions on the DDP. They did an AMAZING job for William at the MNSSHP - we stopped by Guest Services on the way out and told them about his allergies (most of the candy handed out was not safe or much of it was). They gave him an amazing bag of nut free items that he was over the moon about!

 

[RxforDisney]

Thanks for all of the great responses. We too had a great experience when DS was 2 y.o., I am glad to see that Disney is still doing a super job of dealing with allergies. I will definitely take the suggestion of calling ahead, and asking specifically about dessert. Has anyone ever had any restaraunt make a dairy free, egg free, nut free cake or cookie?

 

[RxforDisney]

... I'll be sure to post here after my trip to let you all know how it goes...
DVCDawn

Thanks, that would be great!

 

[JessLCH]

Disney was the best vacation we've ever taken regarding food allergies. NEVER has my egg, milk, peanut and tree nut allergic daughter been so accommodated. Be sure your dining reservations are all flagged for the allergies. Several chefs called me AT HOME before we left to discuss the allergies. Also Brenda Bennett of MK food service was extremely helpful in emailing me pages and pages of information on foods/ingredients available for allergic guests and where in the World to find them. Tofutti ice cream was available at every sit down restaurant. Divvies (egg, milk, nut free) cookies and snacks were available at several locations. Soy milk was everywhere- even at counter restaurants. If you don't see it, ask. They have it.

 

[RxforDisney]

...Divvies (egg, milk, nut free) cookies and snacks were available at several locations...

I just went to the Divvies web site! HOW HAVE I GOTTEN THROUGH 4 YEARS OF MILK FREE, EGG FREE, NUT FREE LIVING WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT THIS COMPANY!

That is GREAT! And Disney has them too...EVEN BETTER!

 

[laughinplace199]

I just went to the Divvies web site! HOW HAVE I GOTTEN THROUGH 4 YEARS OF MILK FREE, EGG FREE, NUT FREE LIVING WITHOUT KNOWING ABOUT THIS COMPANY!

That is GREAT! And Diney has them too...EVEN BETTER!

Definitely call Brenda Bennet ebfore you go to find out where they sell Divvies. We had a hard time finding them on our last two trips. The snack bar at OKW's pool had them one day, but not the next. They probably don't restock them as often as they do other snacks since they probably don't sell out as fast.

My DD is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. At most TS places, she gets plain vanilla ice cream for dessert. The chef at WCC sent Divvies chocolate chip cookies to our table with her ice cream. DD was thrilled!

 

[Selket]

Someone on the DDP board posted this:

We then went to Main Street Bakery and I was told that anything in the case could be used as a snack. So I got an apple turnover and DH got a bag of caramel popcorn from the gluten free rack. I was expecting to be denied at the register, but both items went through as snacks.

I'm hoping that is the Divvies caramel corn - I know they sold it there in October '07. This is someone on the 2008 DDP.

I'm telling Brenda when I call in March that they better load up on the Divvies - I can see a lot of our snack credits going there! Dole Whips seem to go through as snacks too - I believe those are nut free but need to check.

 

[Selket]

Another post in the DDP forum had a picture taken at POP of a sign that listed all items available as snack credits. It listed this:

*special dietary brownie
*special dietary chocolate chip cookies

I'm guessing the brownie is the sugar-free one and the cookies are the Divvies cookies. The Divvies choc. chip cookies is made without nuts, milk or eggs and they are *wonderful*.

 

[5 blind mice]

Disney was the best vacation we've ever taken regarding food allergies. NEVER has my egg, milk, peanut and tree nut allergic daughter been so accommodated. Be sure your dining reservations are all flagged for the allergies. Several chefs called me AT HOME before we left to discuss the allergies. Also Brenda Bennett of MK food service was extremely helpful in emailing me pages and pages of information on foods/ingredients available for allergic guests and where in the World to find them. Tofutti ice cream was available at every sit down restaurant. Divvies (egg, milk, nut free) cookies and snacks were available at several locations. Soy milk was everywhere- even at counter restaurants. If you don't see it, ask. They have it.

Is the soy milk vanilla flavored or plain? My DS is allergic to dairy, eggs and peanuts. He LOVES vanilla soymilk, but he's never had the plain kind. If they only have the plain kind, that's okay, but I need to give him some before our trip, so he can get used to it.

 

[mechurchlady]

Is the soy milk vanilla flavored or plain? My DS is allergic to dairy, eggs and peanuts. He LOVES vanilla soymilk, but he's never had the plain kind. If they only have the plain kind, that's okay, but I need to give him some before our trip, so he can get used to it.

All of the brands of milk substitutes that I have seen are egg, nut (except hazelnut and almond which are free of other nuts) and dairy free. There are also rice, hazelnut and almond substitutes. My one indulgence is the chocolate flavoured almond milk. I never had soy flavoured but the rest are good tasting and I used to use rice milk on my cereal.

 

[RxforDisney]

Is the soy milk vanilla flavored or plain? My DS is allergic to dairy, eggs and peanuts. He LOVES vanilla soymilk, but he's never had the plain kind. If they only have the plain kind, that's okay, but I need to give him some before our trip, so he can get used to it.

When we were there in 2006, the only time we got soymilk was from room service at the Beach Club. It was vanilla, but I can't speak for anywhere else. Call or email Brenda Bennett, and she can help you.

Brenda Bennett
MAGIC KINGDOM Foods
407-824-5967
brenda.bennett@disney.com

 

[OneMoreTry]

On Youtube type in Disney Food allergies to do a search. There is a good interview with 2 chefs on food allergies at disney parks.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

On Youtube type in Disney Food allergies to do a search. There is a good interview with 2 chefs on food allergies at disney parks.

There is a link to this interview in the disABILTIES FAQs on page 3 under Diet

 

[brianhorn]

If there is one thing that Disney does exceptional well it is deal with special dietary needs. My son has a milk allergy and they have always treated him well. In most cases the chef will come out and talk to you and if necessary make a meal special. All of the sit-down restaurant have an area in the kitchen they keep clean to prevent cross contamination. The more advanced notice you can give them the better prepared they will be. For my sons birthday they where able to produce a milk free cake. Although every restaurant does an exceptional job, the chef at Boma's when out of his way to accommodate my son, providing 4 milk free deserts. Lets face it for an 8 year old, dinner is all about the deserts. There is also a person in food preparations who can e-mail you more information (sorry I forget how I found her). Lastly every counter service restaurant has a book under the counter with all the ingredients.

 

[5 blind mice]

I received an e-mail from Brenda Bennett yesterday with tons of great info. Also, she had forwarded my son's allergy information to each of our ADR restaurants. I only wish everyone was as allergy-friendly as Disney appears to be.

Does anyone know if there are any convenience stores on-site where we can buy a carton of silk to keep in our fridge? We are staying at the Poly, and won't have a rental car. I don't want to place an order with Garden Grocer if I can avoid it, but it'd be nice to have some silk on hand in our room.